A George VI Silver Cigarette Case Presented to Lieutenant Harold West on HMS Escort for Assisting with the Rescue of SS Athenia Survivors. The cruise liner Athenia was the first British ship sunk by Germany in World War Two. On 3rd September 1939 Athenia was attacked by a torpedo from German submarine U-30. She sank on the 4th September with the loss of 117 people. HMS Escort was one of several ships involved in the rescue of survivors. The sinking was covered up by the Germans as it was illegal to fire without warning and on a purely civilian ship. The truth was uncovered during the Nuremberg Trials in a statement read by Admiral Donitz. No entry was made in the log of the u-boat and the crew were sworn to secrecy.
Hallmarked for Birmingham 1939 by Page, Keen & Page and retailed by Page of Plymouth.
In excellent condition with wear to the gilt interior.
Approximate weight is 67 grams or 2.15 troy ounces.
Approximate dimensions are 8 cm length, 7.2 cm width and 1.5 cm height.